Tomotherapy
What Should You Not Do During Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a form of treatment offered to patients of cancer. It uses chemicals or drugs to kill the malignant cancer cells. However, the downside of this treatment is that it can also target and consequently kill the healthy cells in the body. It is therefore necessary to take necessary precautions in order to ensure maximum benefits. Listed below are a few things that one must avoid during chemotherapy:
- Overexerting Yourself: Chemotherapy may be followed by fatigue, nausea, and frequent mood changes. Thus, you must avoid indulging in activities that are mentally and physically taxing. This includes strenuous work and exercise
- Consuming Alcohol: Some chemotherapy drugs may interact with alcohol and cause adverse impacts. Therefore, you must always consult with your doctor if it is okay to have a drink every now and then. Alcohol can also worsen the side effects of chemotherapy, including mouth sores, diarrhea, and dehydration.
- Smoking: Tobacco and unwanted smoke can lead to unwanted side effects during chemotherapy. Smoking may result in hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen, in certain areas of the body. Hypoxia in cancer tumors may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Smoking also reduces the effect on drug absorption.
- Ultraviolet Light: Chemotherapy can cause your skin to become more sensitive to UV light. Therefore, you must avoid too much natural sunlight and tanning beds.
- Raw And Undercooked Food: Chemotherapy weakens the immune system and increases the risk of infections. Undercooked and raw foods may contain infection-causing germs and lead to food-poisoning.
- Hard, Acidic, Or Spicy Foods: Chemotherapy can cause sores to form in the mouth. This is because treatment also affects rapidly-growing cells in the lining of the mouth and lips, not just the cancer cells. It is best to avoid spicy and acidic foods that may cause pain when the mouth is sore.
- Large Meals: Avoid large meals served in a single serving. Instead, the focus should be on several small meals throughout the day. It may be helpful to set up a daily meal schedule so you can easily remember what and when to eat. Having a large meal may also make you feel very full, making nausea worse.
- Vitamins And Supplements: Some vitamins may affect the efficacy of the chemotherapy treatment. A study showed that taking vitamins A, C, and B12 during chemotherapy was associated with significantly poorer outcomes.
- Probiotics: A person undergoing chemotherapy should avoid probiotics due to their weakened immune system.
Chemotherapy is crucial and could be frustrating to those going through it and the people around them. Hence, it is important to take necessary precautions during the treatment.
Where To Seek Help?
Apollo Hospital is the best chemotherapy center in Hyderabad. Dr. Vijay Karan Reddy is an accomplished, renowned and reputed Oncologist who stands tall and confident in his diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. He has received a lot of praise and has achieved several awards for his services.
For a detailed consultation, book an appointment now!